I'm thrilled to be part of this months "All Things Real Estate" issue! What every realtor needs to know about home trends. What will your buyers be looking for and asking you about?
In the kitchen: The days of all upper cabinets in a kitchen are gone. Open shelving continues to be what people want. Open shelving provides an opportunity to display art and treasures acquired on family vacations. More deep drawers than doors are in demand. Cooks kitchens and fancy faucets are still on everyone’s wish list. Kitchens are becoming glamorous with jewel tones and companies like Caesarstone provides counter tops that look like semi-precious stones!
In the bathroom:
Curb-less showers are taking the lead in bathroom design.
Some say tubs are going out of style, but I’m seeing freestanding
tubs in demand. Tubs may not be used as often as showers but are visually enhancing and serve more as a decorative art piece in the bathroom. As you can see in the BEFORE photo below this tub enclosure is outdated.
In the bedroom: Many people use their cell phones as the only source of telephone and even if they have a land line they want their cell close by the bed. U-socket wall plugs have two built-in USB ports to power iPhone, Kindles, iPads etc. These U-socket wall plugs are handy all over the house!
Homes in general:
Open floor plans continue to dominate buyer’s wish lists.
2014 is seeing a move away from industrial design. The hard edges of sleek/modern are now being replaced with softer more graceful lines. Example: Curved counter tops and crown moldings.
Technology reigns supreme in new homes. Nest Thermostat learns our living habits and adjusts temperatures saving 20% annually on heating and cooing bills.
Multi generational living is a huge trend in housing for the largest segment of our population-baby boomers.
Carpet trends are away from the mini- shag to the soft velvety looking carpets.
Mixed metals make magic: Golds and bronze are back and you no longer have to have all meatal matching. The powder room can have burnished bronze and the rest of the home can have brushed silver! Remember how all the metals HAD to match in a home? Well everything is mixed metals now! Example stainless appliances with black cabinet pulls and oil-rubbed bronze track lighting mixed with a pendant that has stainless accents over the dining table. Copper is a big influence and so is gold/brass.
Remodeling can make an already GREAT home into a DREAM home with the right team to make it happen! Please let me know if I can be of service. I believe that being surrounded with an envoinment that you love can nuture your life and soothe your soul.
Best,
Kim
503 407-9525
